NEXT GENERATION AERIAL REFUELING: CRITICAL CAPABILITY FOR PENETRATING CHINESE DENIED ENVIRONMENTS
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how the KC-46, the next generation tanker, will improve air superiority and enable fighter and bomber aircraft to persist in a Chinese Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) environment. The paper examines Chinas pursuit of an expansive ADIZ in the South and East China Seas (SCS)/(ECS) and the negative impacts of their pursuit on the global commons. This paper discusses one advantage China has that the U.S. military will need to counter through the capability enhancements of the KC-46. The methodology followed in this research is the problem/solution approach. The papers key findings demonstrate the current United States Air Force (USAF) tanker fleets inadequate capability to persist in a current environment of Chinese anti-access/area-denial environment (A2/AD), given Chinas strategy and improvements in capability. Additionally, the research reveals that Chinas ADIZ poses a threat to the current U.S. forward bases in Japan, and South Korea. The papers recommendations include continued U.S. military sponsorship of the next generation tanker through improved funding for development and production through 2027. Further, the paper recommends additional or alternate forward basing locations in the Pacific region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 26, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1040688
Entities
People
- Joe D. Munger
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College